A rare celestial event will grace the skies Thursday evening as a full strawberry moon, coinciding with the summer solstice, reaches its peak at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Friday, offering a golden hue for spectators.

The full strawberry moon, named by Native American tribes to mark the strawberry harvest in June, will appear its fullest on Friday evening but will be visible for three days. This event coincides with the summer solstice, making the moon appear larger and lower in the sky with a golden hue. As the lowest full moon in years, it will be best viewed just before dusk from North America. This unique phenomenon provides an opportunity for skywatchers to witness a convergence of lunar and solar cycles.

The strawberry moon gets its name from Native American tribes, including the Algonquian, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota tribes, who used the full moon in June to signal the harvesting of wild strawberries. Unlike what the name might suggest, the moon will not have a vibrant red shade. Instead, it will present a soft golden hue due to its position in the sky during the summer solstice.

The summer solstice marks the beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun. This alignment not only ushers in longer days and shorter nights but also influences how we perceive the moon. When a full moon occurs near the summer solstice, it is situated lower in the sky and often looks larger.

Astronomy enthusiasts can observe the strawberry moon's rise in the east just before dusk. It will be visible in its fullest form at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Friday, but those who miss it won't be left out. The full moon will remain visible for about three days, beginning Thursday night and lasting through to Sunday morning.

For those eager to catch a glimpse of this rare sight, the Old Farmer's Almanac has made it easy to plan moon-watching sessions. Their online tool provides exact moonrise and moonset times for different locations, ensuring viewers can find the best time to enjoy the celestial display.

Despite the moon's color and size, what makes this event particularly noteworthy is how low it will appear in the sky. This year's strawberry moon will be the lowest full moon in many years, due to the alignment with the summer solstice. This lower trajectory is what gives the moon its golden tint as it moves through a thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere.

Aside from its picturesque appeal, the strawberry moon has other titles that reflect the natural phenomena occurring during this time of year. Also known as the Berries Ripen Moon, Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon, Hoer Moon, Birth Moon, Egg Laying Moon, Hatching Moon, Honey Moon, and Mead Moon, each name pays homage to various agricultural and ecological markers.

In addition to full moons, the annual astronomical calendar includes solstices and equinoxes. The solstices, which occur in June and December, mark the beginnings of summer and winter, respectively. Conversely, equinoxes occur in March and September, marking the beginning of spring and autumn. These events highlight the rhythm of Earth's journey around the sun and the changing length of days and nights.

Full moons always occur opposite the sun. When this alignment happens close to a solstice, the moon takes a lower path across the sky. This interaction of solar and lunar cycles creates unique viewing conditions that attract skywatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In summary, the strawberry moon is a time-honored marker of seasonal change, with the full moon's golden hue and low position in the sky offering a rare and scenic view. The alignment with the summer solstice this year accentuates the astronomical significance of the event, providing a spectacular show for those who take the opportunity to look up into the night sky.